Looking back, the 2010s were a golden era for DC Comics characters on television screens. Shows like Arrow kicked off an expansive Arrowverse that almost ruled The CW, while networks such as NBC and CBS also jumped on board with adaptations of these iconic characters. Even the short-lived streaming platform, DC Universe, was dedicated to TV series featuring DC Comics characters. If you were immersed in tales of Arm-Fall-Off-Boy and Detective Chimp, television programming during the 2010s offered a sumptuous all-you-can-watch feast.
Indeed, in thriving times, something eventually slides down the pecking order. In this instance, a nearly forgotten sitcom from the 2010s DC Comics TV show adaptations – titled “Powerless” – is one such example. Despite the star power of Vanessa Hudgens and Alan Tudyk, the series could not sustain itself for many episodes and didn’t cultivate a dedicated, long-lasting fanbase.
What on Earth Was Powerless?
Originating from the creative brain of Ben Queen, who is known for producing the NBC sitcom “A to Z” in the mid-2010s and writing for “Cars 2”, the show “Powerless” aimed to adapt the conventional office comedy into the DC Universe, filled with superheroes. The storyline followed Emily Locke (played by Vanessa Hudgens), who worked as the Director of Research & Development at Wayne Security, a company linked to Bruce Wayne, although the series was set in a different city named Charm City. The show’s cast included a variety of peculiar characters such as Teddy, a co-worker with a knack for pranks (played by Danny Pudi), Vanderveer Wayne, the boss of Wayne Security and a distant relative of Bruce Wayne (portrayed by Alan Tudyk), and Ron, Teddy’s friend (Ron Funches).
The humor of the series stemmed from contrasting ordinary escapades of Locke and his group against a setting where characters like Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and other prominent DC Comics figures dwell. Interestingly, the show incorporated several minor superheroes as guest stars, although it lacked any major ones capable of leading a blockbuster DC film. Characters such as Crimson Fox, Green Fury, The Olympian, and others were woven into the series’ narratives. Additionally, certain episodes drew inspiration from well-known DC Comics storylines, like one where Superman rewinds time to rescue Lois Lane, reminiscent of 1978’s Superman.
This unique blend of superheroes and ‘The Office’ style show attempted to ignite viewer interest by recruiting main actors who were seasoned leads in popular TV series. For example, Hudgens starred in the High School Musical trilogy, while Pudi was well-known for his role in ‘Community’. More noticeably, Tudyk was a beloved figure in nerd TV due to ‘Firefly’. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to salvage a series that faced numerous issues (such as the departure of the showrunner during production) before its first episode premiered. As a result, ‘Powerless’ quickly faded from memory once it started airing, making it no surprise that it remains relatively unknown over a decade later.
Why Did Powerless Fail to Take Off?
Upon its initial release, “Powerless” faced a common complaint: it failed to achieve either of its intended goals. The presentation felt lackluster as a comedy focusing on ordinary individuals, with audiences finding similar, superior comedies in reruns of “The Office” or “Community”. Divergences into superhero adventures were met with indifference, particularly against the backdrop of the more thrilling and extraordinary antics presented by competing DC shows such as “Legends of Tomorrow” and “The Flash”.
Making its debut in February 2017, the TV series Powerless ran for just nine episodes before being taken off NBC’s schedule. The final three episodes were gradually released to the public through foreign TV channels and YouTube uploads over the following months. There was no significant fan movement to keep Powerless on air or find it a new streaming platform. Just as swiftly as it entered our screens, the show disappeared with no signs (at present) that any of its production elements will be incorporated into contemporary DC Comics adaptations.
One intriguing aspect that stands out about the show Powerless is that several members of its creative team later produced exceptional DC Comics TV series. For instance, Justin Halpern, who was a producer and writer for Powerless, went on to co-create and develop the critically acclaimed animated show Harley Quinn. This production also brought Funches back into the main cast as a character connected to Aquaman. On the other hand, Tudyk has become an integral part of the DC Universe through his roles in Harley Quinn, Creature Commandos, and an unspecified part in Superman. Given that these talented individuals have moved on from Powerless , it’s not surprising that viewers have chosen to ignore this NBC comedy.
Powerless is available to rent or purchase from digital retailers.
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2025-02-20 16:10